According to the Migration Yearbook 2022, 160 860 third-country nationals (TCNs) lived in Lithuania on 1 January 2023. In 2022, 133 628 TCNs received a temporary residence permit and 1 631 received a permanent residence permit. The majority of TCNs arriving in the country came for employment, family reunification or study. In 2022, temporary protection was the main channel by which to obtain a temporary residence permit (over 64 215 permits were issued that year). Employment remains the second most common reason for granting temporary residence permits, and the main reason for the issuance of long-stay national visas. Most TCNs arrive from Ukraine (83 940), Belarus (30 815) and Russia (5 042). They constituted 90% of all TCNs who were granted a temporary residence permit in Lithuania in 2022.

According to the European Migration Network (EMN)’s 2022 country factsheet for Lithuania, in terms of naturalisation, 102 TCNs received Lithuanian citizenship in 2021, in line with 107 and 82 in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other detailed statistics - with insights on the age and gender of TCNs, most common types of residence permits issued and international protection - are also available in the same factsheet.

Following a high influx of asylum seekers from Belarus in 2021, the number of asylum applications in Lithuania increased from 250 in 2020 to 4 259 in 2021. In 2021, most asylum seekers were Iraqis (accounting for 58% of all asylum applications). In 2022, Belarusian citizens made up 40% of all asylum seekers in the country.

Notably, by October 2023, Lithuania saw a total of 73 751 non-EU citizens who had fled the war against Ukraine and were under temporary protection – see monthly updates in the numbers of temporary protection beneficiaries on Eurostat.

The recent OECD/EC Indicators of Immigrant Integration 2023: Settling In report provides further breakdowns of the composition of migrant populations and households in Lithuania, including in terms of immigration flows by legal category, concentration in densely populated areas, duration of stay and household composition.

The current integration strategy is part of the social mobilisation development programme for 2021-2030 run by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, under a measure aiming “to develop the foreign nationals integration system”. The relevant document provides an overview of the current migration situation in the country, outlining the target group and the problems that need to be addressed. In addition, it lays down a detailed plan for monitoring and evaluating progress.  

Previous integration strategies:

• 2018–2021 Action Plan on the Integration of Foreigners into Society. The document included provisions for the allocation of available resources, cooperation between state institutions and service providers, and monitoring migrant integration. With respect to previous action plans, this one focused on migrants and BIPs.
• 2015-2017 Action Plan for the Implementation of the Policy for Foreigners’ Integration. This document provided information on the accessibility of integration services, campaigns on the positive aspects of migration, a consultative body with state and non-state actors, and improved legislation for the recognition of professional qualifications.

On 22 January 2014, the government adopted the Lithuanian Migration Policy Guidelines. This document was last amended in 2020, highlighting policy developments targeted at the diaspora and the return and reintegration of Lithuanian citizens and descendants. In addition, the guidelines have been complemented with new provisions for the collection of data on foreign workers and the setup of a quota system. With regards to asylum, the document aims to improve the flexibility of asylum seekers’ reception and accommodation, as well as addressing the need to be prepared for an irregular influx of people seeking asylum. In addition, Lithuania sets out to continue assisting its EU partners by helping to relocate persons in need of international protection. The guidelines also emphasise the need to formulate a long-term foreigners’ integration policy.

On 27 September 2018, the government adopted the 2018-2030 Strategy for Demography, Migration and Integration. Its aim is to promote decent working and living conditions for foreigners, inclusive local communities, enhanced trust in state institutions and the building of a tolerant receiving society. However, except for some limited groups of TCNs (e.g., TCNs who came to Lithuania for study reasons, highly qualified workers, and family members of Lithuanian citizens), the strategy does not target all migrant groups and mainly focuses on promoting the return of Lithuanian citizens and persons of Lithuanian origin. In its current form, the document also does not provide for tailored strategies for BIPs. In addition, when it comes to promoting measures for the long-term integration of non-EU nationals, the strategy maintains a rather reserved approach.

In 2016, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania approved the Description of the Procedure of Provision of State Support for the Integration to Foreigners. This provision regulates the organisation and implementation of state support for the integration of those who are granted asylum or temporary protection. Moreover, it determines the conditions for receiving support at the Refugee Reception Centres (RRCs) and in the municipality, the cash payment of benefits and allowances, education and employment, the termination and renewal of integration support, and awareness-raising on integration.

Asylum applicants and their family members, unaccompanied migrants, and people granted temporary protection are offered access to a wide range of integration activities, such as language courses, civic integration classes, employment guidance, skills assessment, legal assistance, and psychological support.

Following the granting of refugee status or subsidiary protection, beneficiaries are housed in an RRC where integration support is provided for up to 3 months. After 3 months in the RRC integration continues in municipalities, where further support is provided by NGOs and lasts up to 12 months.

While the overall duration of the integration programme is generally 15 months, both the RRC and municipalities can extend their integration support to 6 and 36 months, respectively, for vulnerable groups (such as people with physical or mental health issues, large families with young children, people with low level of education, etc.).

RRC staff members coordinate their efforts with social workers and the Public Employment Service to assist beneficiaries of international protection (BIPs). Assistance includes evaluating personal skills and qualifications, providing vocational training courses and assisting in job searches.

In addition, BIPs are able to attend Lithuanian language courses in order to be better prepared to access the labour market. Following the initial 3 months of support provided by RRC staff, NGOs assist BIPs within their municipalities. Support by NGOs is provided through “one-stop-shops” for migrants and BIPs. NGOs provide advice to help beneficiaries of international protection in different areas of integration, including the labour market. Advisors provide relevant information related to employment in Lithuania, including on the conditions for starting a business, and assist in the search for a workplace and registration at the Public Employment Service. There is no specific targeted integration programme for other TCNs who arrive to Lithuania via regular channels (for employment, studies, family reunification, etc.). However, they are entitled to the support provided by NGOs in “one- stop-shops”. Consultations for newcomers are also provided by organisations such as the International House Vilnius and the International House Klaipėda. Lithuania's integration system is currently facing several changes, including with municipalities receiving more responsibilities and becoming more involved in the integration process.

There has been no official or unofficial evaluation of the action plan published so far.

The international Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) points out that Lithuania’s integration policies tend to create more obstacles than opportunities for integration. The country scores just 37 out of 100 points on the MIPEX 2020 scale, with the average score among other countries examined standing at 49. Just like most other Central and Eastern European states, Lithuania is therefore classified as providing 'equality on paper'.

The National Integration Evaluation Mechanism (NIEM) - which measures refugee integration policies in 14 EU Member States - gives Lithuania a score of 62.6 on the NIEM scale of 100, thus labelling it a ‘moderately supportive’ country.

Law on foreigners

The Law on Legal Status of Aliens was adopted in April 2004 (last amended 01-07-2023). It covers the procedures of entry and departure, residence, asylum and temporary protection, and the integration of foreigners. In January 2020, amendments to the Law granted asylum seekers the right to work provided that within 6 months from the date of submitting the application for asylum, the Migration Department fails to make a decision (and that the situation has not arisen due to fault on the part of the asylum seeker). Important amendments to the Law were also adopted in 2021 due to the sudden increase in irregular migration across the border from Belarus, and in 2022 in response to the increase in arrivals from Ukraine following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Asylum law

Lithuania does not have a self-standing asylum law. The ‘Law on Legal Status of Aliens’ covers asylum.

Integration law

Lithuania does not have a self-standing integration law. The ‘Law on Legal Status of Aliens’ covers integration.

Its provisions have been supplemented by the Decision of the Government regarding the Procedure for the Provision of National Support for Integration to Foreigners (with important amendments in 2020 emphasising that integration is a mutual process involving both persons who were granted asylum and the receiving state and society), as well as other decisions which foresee integration measures for other groups of foreigners.

Citizenship law

The Lithuanian Law on Citizenship was introduced in December 2010. This legislation established the basic rules, conditions and procedures for the acquisition and loss of Lithuanian citizenship. Minor amendments made in June 2016 allowed individuals who left Lithuania before March 1990 to keep their Lithuanian citizenship when they acquire a second one.

Anti-discrimination law

The Law on Equal Treatment, approved in November 2003, ensures the enjoyment of human rights and prohibits all forms of discrimination on the grounds of age, sexual orientation, racial or ethnic background, disability and religion or belief. It also outlines acts of individual and institutional violation and includes the mandate that the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman must supervise complaints, investigations and appeals processes.

Following the adoption of the Lithuanian Migration Policy Guidelines on 22 January 2014, the Lithuanian  government asked the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania to formulate the policy for the integration of foreigners. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour is responsible for the labour policy, the social integration of foreigners granted asylum in Lithuania, and the administration of the Asylum and Migration Fund.

Other institutions, such as the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation and the Ministry of Health, are responsible for specific integration measures in their fields.

Lithuania has recently begun increasing the capacity of local authorities by providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools to engage in the development and implementation of reception/integration policies and programmes relating to migrants and beneficiaries of international protection. In 2022, 5 municipalities adopted local migrant integration strategies developed within the “Enhancing competence of municipalities in providing services to third-country nationals” project (funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania).

The role of municipalities in integration processes is also described in the Decision of the Government regarding the Procedure for the Provision of National Support for Integration to Foreigners.

Civil society takes part in the Commission to Coordinate the Implementation of Foreigners‘ Integration, as provided in the 2013 amendment (art. 109) of the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens. Currently its members include representatives from different ministries, municipality associations, governmental and non-governmental organisations, international organisations and academia.

EU funds

Non-profit organisations and local authorities can apply for financing through several EU funding schemes. In addition, national and private funds are made available for service providers and other stakeholders to carry out projects aiming to improve the integration of the migrant population.

The information below will be updated once the 2021 - 2027 national programmes under the EU funds become available.

Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) in Lithuania 2014-2020 programme

• Details: The basic national allocation for Lithuania under AMIF for the 2014-2020 programme was €68.4 million. The national integration priorities include the development of the national integration strategy, the provision of information and services through three integration centres and websites, and efforts to promote tolerance, monitor the integration process and to enhance cooperation among the competent institutions and organisations. 
• National managing authority: The national managing authority for AMIF in Lithuania is the  European Social Fund Agency under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. In 2020, the Agency launched a  website dedicated to AMIF's programme and projects in Lithuania. 

European Social Fund (ESF) in Lithuania

• Details: The Lithuanian multi-fund operational programme aims to boost Lithuania's economic development, as well as  tackle other issues including social exclusion. The ESF contributes with over €1 billion, of which nearly 10% is dedicated to facilitating social inclusion with a focus on the educational system.
• National managing authority: The national managing authority for ESF in Lithuania is the  European Social Fund Agency under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour

Other EU funds for integration available in Lithuania 

ERASMUS+, the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe

National managing authority: the national agency Education Exchanges Support Foundation

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the EU by correcting regional imbalances

National managing authority: Central Project Management Agency

Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), offering material assistance to the most vulnerable or in need

National managing authority:  European Social Fund Agency under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), supporting the development of rural economies and communities

National managing authority:  National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

National managing authority:  National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania; EMFF supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies and finances projects that create jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts

Other funds

• The Education Exchanges Support Foundation, in addition to ERASMUS+, manages state scholarships, Nordplus and sport programmes
• Grant programmes of the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania
• Programmes under the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021, managed by the Central Project Management Agency

Providing integration services

• The International Organization for Migration Lithuania (IOM Lithuania)
• Artscape
• Refugee Council of Lithuania
• Sovereign Order of Malta
• UkreateHub
• RAZAM
• Dapamoga

Implementing the integration programme

• Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas
• Lithuanian Red Cross

Campaigning

• IOM Lithuania
• UNHCR Northern Europe
• Diversity Development Group (DDG)
• Lithuanian Human Rights Center
• Human Rights Monitoring Institute
• Refugee Council of Lithuania

Publishing research and statistics

• IOM Lithuania
• UNHCR Northern Europe
• Diversity Development Group (DDG)
• Human Rights Monitoring Institute
• Migration Department
• Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences